Chief’s Corner: It’s simple: CPR and AEDs save lives

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EDITOR’S NOTE: “Chief’s Corner” is a regular feature in the North Lake Tahoe Bonanza from North Lake Tahoe Fire Protection District Chief Mike Brown, offering information, tips and education material on fire safety, emergency preparedness and other pertinent topics.

Do you know how to recognize a heart attack or stroke (brain attack)? Do you know how to perform CPR? Do you know how to use an automated external defibrillator (AED)? Recognizing these medical emergencies and knowing what to do and how to activate the emergency response system can save a life.

Early activation of the emergency medical system or calling 911, performing CPR and utilizing the modern technology of an AED when appropriate, are all lifesaving steps that citizens can learn to put in place in the event of a medical emergency prior to emergency responders arrival.

CPR is the critical survival link that buys time for the patient. The earlier you give CPR to a person in cardiac or respiratory arrest the greater their chance of survival. CPR keeps oxygenated blood flowing to the brain and heart until defibrillation or other advanced care can restore normal heart action.

AED (Automated External Defibrillator) rescuers can provide defibrillation within the first few minutes of out-of-hospital cardiac arrest. This dramatically increases the patient’s chance of survival.

There are several AEDs placed throughout Incline Village, Crystal Bay and Mt. Rose communities. These AED’s can save a life if properly used along with knowing how to administer proper CPR. Through continued support and collaboration the North Lake Tahoe Fire Protection District is committed to helping you help others.

Enroll in a CPR class today. Call the fire district at 775-831-0351, ext. 8125, for more information, or visit our website at www.nltfpd.net.